Is it possible for a person to claim child abuse for spanking a child?

I was at a park with my son, age 8, when he started misbehaving. I gave him several chances to straighten up, as I am a lenient father. Finally, the final straw was pulled and I gave my son 3-4 small swats on the rear. I would never strike my child hard, even more so not hard enough to bruise or hurt him. But I do spank hard enough to let them know they were in the wrong. A mother saw this happen and thought I was beating my child. She threatened to call the police, saying she knew my child, my wife, and where I lived. I just want to know if I was in the wrong.

Yes. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the prosecution's case, any defenses that you might have, and any plea offer that might be made, so that you can decide whether to go to trial. Consider seeking a confidential consultation.

Spanking your child is legal, but there's always the chance that this woman who say it happen will exaggerate or lie about what she saw. If Child Protective Services contacts you, you need to hire a lawyer immediately.

Spanking a child as a form of discipline is not illegal and not considered child abuse provided it is done in an appropriate manner. When the spanking crosses the line and leaves marks or breaks bones, then it is child abuse. An open handed swat on the butt is one thing. Hitting a child until they are red or bruised in another and not acceptable.

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